Blue Jackets News

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Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins To Sit Out Regular-Season Finale

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (undisclosed) practiced on Wednesday but is not expected to play in Thursday's regular-season finale against the New York Islanders. The Latvian netminder has sat out four contests while dealing with an unspecified health issue. Merzlikins' injury has come at a very bad time for the Blue Jackets, as they are still battling for a playoff spot. Luckily for the team, Jet Greaves has put together an impressive four-game stretch between the sticks, posting two shutouts and allowing only three total goals. Merzlikins doubled his wins tally from last year and will finish the campaign with a 26-21-5 record. He posted one shutout with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.

4 days ago

Jet Greaves • G • Blue Jackets

Jet Greaves Picks Up Fourth Straight Victory

Columbus Blue Jackets rookie goaltender Jet Greaves stopped all 29 shots he saw en route to defeating the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday evening. This was a "must-win" game for the Blue Jackets to keep them alive in the playoff race. Greaves was able to lead the way as Columbus was able to win their fifth-straight contest. During Greaves' impressive four-game winning streak, he has posted two shutouts and allowed just three total goals. He has held an incredible .976 save percentage with a near-perfect 0.76 GAA. Before this impressive late-season finish, Greaves held a modest 3.02 GAA with a .894 save percentage over his last five NHL starts. Fantasy managers should expect Greaves to get the nod in their regular-season finale on Thursday against the New York Islanders.

4 days ago

Adam Fantilli • C • Blue Jackets

Adam Fantilli Scores Twice In Victory

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli scored twice during their 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday evening. The Blue Jackets needed to win this game to remain in contention for a Wild Card. Fantilli would score his first goal in the second frame on a snap shot. Later in the third, Fantilli would strike for the second time, this time on a wrist shot. This was Fantilli's second-straight game finding the back of the net twice. Before this recent offensive surge, the former third overall pick tallied just one point (a goal) over his last five contests. The 20-year-old remains a strong play in all formats during the final week of the regular season. Fantilli has enjoyed a career season, logging 80 games and scoring 29 goals, and adding 23 helpers. He will look to stay hot on Tuesday against the Flyers.

6 days ago

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Sits Out Thursday's Game

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (undisclosed) will not dress for Thursday's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. He was initially expected to be the starter for the contest after being the first goalie to leave the morning skate. However, it has now come to light that Merzlikins, who holds a 26-21-5 record for the season, is dealing with an undisclosed injury. As a result, the Blue Jackets are expected to turn to Daniil Tarasov on Thursday, while Jet Greaves has been summoned from the minors on an emergency basis to fill the gap in the lineup.

Apr 10

James van Riemsdyk • LW • Blue Jackets

James van Riemsdyk Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Saturday

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing James van Riemsdyk will return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The veteran forward has been a healthy scratch for four games. Luke Kunin is expected to depart the lineup on Saturday. Van Riemsdyk, who was a 30-goal scorer with the Maple Leafs in 2014 and 2018, has lost most of his fantasy value, but he has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets in 2024-25. The 35-year-old has tallied 14 goals and 30 points in 63 outings. On Saturday, van Riemsdyk will try to end a seven-game pointless streak.

Apr 5

Kirill Marchenko • RW • Blue Jackets

Kirill Marchenko Scores Hat Trick On Tuesday

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kirill Marchenko tallied four points during their 8-4 victory over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday evening. Marchenko opened the scoring in the first period. Later in the second, Marchenko would find the back of the net for the second time and add the primary assist on Sean Monahan's power-play goal. In the third period, Marchenko would complete his hat trick with his third even-strength goal of the evening. This outing extended his current goal streak to an impressive four games. During this stretch, Marchenko has scored six goals and added two helpers. Through 70 games this season, the 24-year-old has enjoyed a career season, scoring 31 goals and adding 39 helpers, with 18 of his total points coming on the power play.

Apr 2

Dante Fabbro • D • Blue Jackets

Dante Fabbro Returns Against Predators

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro (undisclosed) will rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. He will be active on Tuesday after sitting out Saturday's loss to the Ottawa Senators due to an undisclosed injury. Fabbro has been fabulous in his past two outings, scoring one goal and delivering three assists. He has tallied 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 52 appearances with the Blue Jackets since the Predators waived him in November. Fabbro's work on the defensive end has also been solid, with him registering 118 blocks and 60 hits. Jake Christiansen will step aside to make room for Fabbro, who will be reunited with Zach Werenski on the first defensive pairing.

Apr 1

Cole Sillinger • C • Blue Jackets

Cole Sillinger Returns To Blue Jackets Lineup

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger (shoulder) will re-enter the lineup on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. He has been out for 11 games due to a shoulder injury. Columbus will replace James van Riemsdyk with Sillinger on Friday night. Justin Danforth and Mathieu Olivier will join the 21-year-old on the third line. Although the third-line role limits Sillinger's fantasy appeal, he has had a strong campaign, posting 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 54 games.

Mar 28

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Dishes Out Two Helpers In Return

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan tallied two helpers during their 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Islanders on Monday evening. Monahan missed the previous 28 contests due to a wrist injury. However, Monahan did not need much time to return to form as he posted a two-point outing on Monday. He tallied the primary helper on Boone Jenner's shorthanded goal in the second frame. Later in the third, he would add the secondary assist on Kirill Marchenko's game-tying goal. Before his injury, Monahan was enjoying a productive stretch as he tallied 16 points (five goals) over his last nine contests. Through 42 games this season, the 30-year-old has found the back of the net 14 times and added 29 helpers. He should continue to be deployed as the top center in the offense, which makes him a viable option in all formats.

Mar 25

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (wrist) has been activated from Injured Reserve and is expected to return to the lineup on Monday against the New York Islanders. Due to a wrist injury, Monahan has missed 28 games, but he is finally healthy again and should give the slumping Blue Jackets a nice boost. Adam Fantilli will give his first-line center job to Monahan, and the veteran centerman is also poised to operate on the first power play unit. Monahan has bagged 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in as many games this season with 100 shots on goal. The Blue Jackets will also welcome back defenseman Erik Gudbranson (shoulder), who is ready to make his first appearance since Oct. 15.

Mar 24

Jake Christiansen • D • Blue Jackets

Jake Christiansen Remains Sidelined On Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (upper body) will remain sidelined on Monday evening when the Blue Jackets face the New York Islanders. Christiansen has missed the previous four contests due to this injury. As a result, Erik Gudbranson (shoulder) will take his spot in the starting lineup on the bottom defensive pairing. Before his injury, Christiansen was riding a six-game scoreless streak. During this streak, Christiansen logged just six hits with three blocks and a +2 rating. Through 65 total contests this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net just once and added seven helpers. Christiansen has also added 47 hits with 64 blocked shots. When he does return, he will not carry much fantasy value, given his lack of scoring upside.

Mar 24

Boone Jenner • C • Blue Jackets

Boone Jenner Scores First Goal Of The Season

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner found the back of the net for the first time this season on Friday evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jenner beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the opening frame on a tip-in. The 31-year-old has appeared in just 13 contests this season after missing the first half of the campaign due to a shoulder injury he suffered during training camp. During these 13 games, Jenner has tallied a solid 10 points (nine helpers). He has logged 32 shots on goal with 26 hits and 11 blocked shots. Jenner has typically been deployed on the second offensive line and No. 2 power-play unit. Jenner remains a solid option in deeper formats, as he should provide a solid amount of hits and blocks along with his scoring production. He will look to stay productive on Monday against the New York Islanders.

Mar 22

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Stumbles On Friday

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins allowed five goals on 34 shots during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. The Blue Jackets dominated the shot total in this contest, but Merzlikins was unable to keep them in the game. He allowed three goals during the opening frame and two goals in the second frame. This poor showing extended his losing streak to six contests. During this stretch, Merzlikins held a 0-5-1 record with a hefty 3.55 GAA and a .890 save percentage. Merzlikins allowed at least five goals during three of these games. However, before this skid, Merzlikins held a modest 5-3-1 record with a 2.88 GAA and a .910 save percentage. The 30-year-old will likely get the starting nod in their next game on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.

Mar 22

Kent Johnson • C • Blue Jackets

Kent Johnson Snaps Skid On Friday

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kent Johnson found the back of the net during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. Johnson would beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the third period with a wrist shot. Entering Friday, Johnson was in the midst of a scoring slump as he tallied just two points (one goal) over his last seven contests. However, before this brief slump, the 22-year-old tallied an impressive 19 points (nine goals) over his last 18 contests. During this stretch, he logged 37 shots on goal with a +6 rating. Through 55 games this season, the former fifth-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has enjoyed a career season, scoring 22 goals with 24 helpers. He will look to kickstart another impressive stretch on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.

Mar 22

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Set To Face Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will start between the sticks on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will try to end a five-game losing streak. Merzlikins' recent dip in form has left a negative mark on his record, as the Latvian netminder is now 22-18-5 for the season. He has allowed 3.00 goals with a .897 save percentage and one shutout. Recent weeks have been difficult for Merzlikins, but he has had the Penguins' number this season, winning both of his previous two starts against them, with only five goals allowed. Jet Greaves will serve as Merzlikins's backup on Friday, as Daniil Tarasov (illness) did not travel to the game.

Mar 21

Cole Sillinger • C • Blue Jackets

Cole Sillinger Closing In On Return

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger (shoulder) could be available to return to the lineup this week. He has missed eight games due to a shoulder injury. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evanson did not dismiss the possibility of Sillinger's return to action this week. His next chance to make a comeback will be on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. Columbus also has a game scheduled for Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sillinger remains on track for a career year, having totaled 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 54 outings. With Sean Monahan (wrist) also nearing his return, the Blue Jackets offense is about to receive a big boost.

Mar 19

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan May Return To Action This Week

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (wrist) is close to returning to action, possibly as soon as this week. He participated in practice with the main group on Wednesday, and Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason has not ruled out Monahan rejoining the lineup before the week ends. After the practice session, Monahan said that he "felt great." A wrist injury has kept the veteran centerman out since Jan. 7. Monahan has been a point-per-game player for Columbus this season, tallying 14 goals and 27 assists in 41 games. The Blue Jackets will be back in action on Thursday night against the Florida Panthers and will wrap up this week's schedule on Friday with a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mar 19

Jake Christiansen • D • Blue Jackets

Jake Christiansen Unlikely To Play On Thursday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (upper body) is not expected to play on Thursday evening when the Blue Jackets face the Panthers. Christiansen has missed the previous two contests and will likely extend this absence to three games. In addition, the 25-year-old was not present during Wednesday's practice, which is not a good sign. If Christiansen remains out on Thursday, Jack Johnson will likely remain in the starting lineup. Before this injury, Christiansen was riding a six-game scoreless streak. During this skid, Christiansen logged just three blocked shots with three hits. Through 65 total contests this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net once and added seven helpers. He has added 47 hits and 65 blocks. When he does return, Christiansen will only hold value in deeper leagues that reward blocked shots.

Mar 19

Jet Greaves • G • Blue Jackets

Jet Greaves Receives Starting Nod Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves will start in Monday's contest against the New Jersey Devils. The 23-year-old was called up from the minors on an emergency basis on Friday and will take over the crease on Monday, with Elvis Merzlikins (personal) remaining out of the lineup. Greaves has won each of his last two starts in the NHL but hasn't made a single appearance in the big league since Nov. 30. He carries a 2-1-2 record for the season with a 2.98 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. On Monday, Greaves faces a challenging matchup against a team that has netted at least three goals in each of its past four games. This streak includes a 5-3 victory for New Jersey over Columbus last Tuesday.

Mar 17

Yegor Chinakhov • RW • Blue Jackets

Yegor Chinakhov Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Saturday

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov will re-enter the lineup for Saturday's tilt against the New York Rangers. He was scratched in favor of Christian Fischer on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fischer was ineffective in the game, finishing with zero shots on goal and a minus-one rating in a 4-0 loss. Columbus will send him back to the press box on Saturday. Chinakhov has tallied seven goals and 14 points in 25 games this season. He was among Columbus' top forwards early in the season before sustaining a back injury. The Russian forward has not registered any points since returning to the lineup last week. He has been limited to 12:12 of ice time per game. Fantasy managers should currently look past Chinakhov, but he may provide value over the final few weeks of the season once he has regained his sharpness.

Mar 15

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